Sony E 16mm f/2.8 vs Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 is 16mm, the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 for wide-angle, the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS for standard.
Choose the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $249 vs $449 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 67g (2.4 oz) it's lighter than the 155g (5.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.1x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS opens to f/1.8 vs the Sony E 16mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E 16mm f/2.8 is 16mm, Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 is $249, $200 under the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS.
- ›Weight: the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 is 67g (2.4 oz) vs 155g (5.5 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 or the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 is 16mm, the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 for wide-angle, the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS for standard.
Who should choose the Sony E 16mm f/2.8?
Choose the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $249 vs $449 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 67g (2.4 oz) it's lighter than the 155g (5.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS?
Choose the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the Sony E 16mm f/2.8 and the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS?
Aperture: the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS opens to f/1.8 vs the Sony E 16mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 5 | 8 |
| Optical Groups | 4 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 83° | 44° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-24mm | 53-53mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 24 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 49mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 62.6mm | 63mm |
| Length | 22.5mm | 45mm |
| Weight | 67g (2.4 oz) | 155g (5.5 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
